Traditional Lacrosse Stringing Service? The 128 Correct Answer

StringDex Lacrosse Stringing Guide

With years of lacrosse stringing experience and plenty of time testing products, we want to help spread the good word about stringing. Unlike other sports, lacrosse is unique because of the stringing. Players can positively or negatively impact their performance by just putting one string in their pocket. This makes stringing an art, not a science, and can add value to your pocket.

Lacrosse stringing is also one of the oldest art forms that can be traced back to North America. The ingenuity, creativity and dedication to stringing have been passed down for centuries. In our current game there are more options than ever for strings and materials. It can be difficult to find what is and isn’t quality in the sea of ​​products, but we’ve got your back.

Learning the correct lacrosse string is an essential part of your development as a player. This allows you to tailor the performance of your stick to your playing style and specific position.

There are different types of lacrosse stringing, but in this guide we will focus on how to string a traditional lacrosse head with a medium pocket. Once you are comfortable with this, you can move on to more specific stringing styles and re-string lacrosse sticks as needed.

How long does it take to string a lacrosse head?

It varies from person to person depending on how long you’ve been doing it and how proficient you are at the precise movements and adjustments required.

Assuming you are a beginner who has no idea how to string a lacrosse head, we estimate that you can complete the task in 30 to 45 minutes once you have followed all the steps in this guide. And you will no doubt improve with practice.

Be patient. As you learn, getting the technique right is far more important than finishing the work quickly.

materials and equipment

Before you start this guide, you need to make sure you have the following:

1. Unstrung head lacrosse stick (obviously!)

2. Lacrosse strings (there are a few types of lacrosse strings you will need)

A lacrosse top string, approximately 36 inches long

Lacrosse Top String, approximately 36 inches long Two Lacrosse Sidewall Strings, each approximately 30 inches long

Lacrosse sidewall strings, each about 30 inches long. A lacrosse floor string, approximately 8 inches long

Lacrosse bottom string approximately 8 inches long. Three shooting strings

3. A piece of 10 diamond mesh

4. Scissors to cut off the excess cord

5. A lighter to melt the ends of cut strings and prevent fraying

6. Needle nose pliers to properly tension the strings

Prepare the mesh

Before stringing your lacrosse head, you need to prepare the mesh. First, make sure your mesh is properly oriented. The top edge is the one with nine diamonds, and the bottom edge has ten. (You may have heard of a 10 diamond top string, but 9 is more common, so we’ll cover that in this guide.)

Also make sure the rougher side of the mesh is facing in; This helps with gripping the ball and adds power to your shots.

Now fully stretch out the mesh. You must do this before stringing; Otherwise, after threading, the mesh will continue to stretch and your lacing may sag in certain places. If you use a tough mesh, you may find that holding it under hot water while you stretch it makes it easier to manage.

Once you’ve stretched the mesh, fold the top row of nine diamonds so the holes line up exactly with the second row of diamonds below. Now you can start stringing.

General information

To properly string lacrosse heads, there are a few general tips to keep in mind:

Your strings should always be as tight as possible. Use your pliers to ensure maximum tightness at each stage. You don’t want your lacing to come loose or undo during a game.

Symmetry is important. The checkers, lacrosse strings, and knots should all be aligned as precisely as possible to ensure your stick has no left or right tilt. You want your passes and shots to fly straight.

Finding the best pocket placement for your play style is important. In this guide we will show you a mid-pocket style, but as you gain experience stringing a lacrosse head, you can adjust this. At the end of the guide we gave some customization tips.

How to string a Lacrosse Head Top string

We start at the top. Double check that your mesh is the right way around – the rough side to the inside of the bag. Now take your top string and follow these steps:

Working left to right, tie knots to securely connect each of the double rows of diamonds to the top row of holes in the header.

Maintain an even tension as you work. You don’t want one side to be tighter than the other as this will cause instability and inaccuracy in your shots and passes.

When you have completed the entire row of knots, check that your mesh is symmetrical about the head and doesn’t stretch to any side.

How to String a Lacrosse Head Sidewall

When you’re satisfied that your top string is secure, it’s time to move on to the sidewalls. We recommend that you start at the top of the head of the lacrosse stick and work your way down. Rather than threading one sidewall at a time, it’s best to do both at the same time, tying the first knot on one side, then switching to the other and working on the head.

Stringing both sides at the same time ensures your stringing stays consistent, which is essential for creating the bag. It also allows you to adjust the tension on both sides and check it on the fly, rather than having to completely re-stretch a side if you find it doesn’t fit at the end of the process.

As you work your way down, you should see the shape of the bag begin to form.

How to string a medium bag

To achieve the perfect middle pocket, you need to be careful when stringing your sidewalls and bottom string. Different tensions or distances in each of these areas creates a separate pocket.

At the top of the head you need to make sure you pull the first few rows of diamonds taut so the mesh is flatter at that point. When the front rows are tight, a well-formed channel allows the ball to release smoothly from your racquet. Further down you want the diamonds to be more clustered, which loosens the mesh and creates a pocket in the center of the head.

To break in your pocket, wet your mesh with warm water and use either your fist or a lacrosse ball to shape the pocket the way the ball would normally sit. Some players even secure the ball in the pocket with a stick wedged through the net below the sidewalls. You can leave it for a few hours or overnight to shape the bag.

You also need to verify that your pocket depth is legal. Put a lacrosse ball in the bag, and as long as there’s no space above the ball when you’re looking at it from the side, you’re good to go. If not, you need to make adjustments. Otherwise you risk a penalty. If your pocket is too deep, you can fix that by moving to the bottom string.

How to string a lacrosse head bottom string

The bottom string has a significant impact on the overall performance of the head, and small adjustments can make a big difference in how the ball is caught and released.

Technically, stringing the bottom string is similar to the top string. They weave between the bottom row of diamonds and the holes at the rim of the head. However, unlike the top string where you want to maintain maximum tension, you can vary the tension a bit to get the pocket shape and size you want.

We’ll discuss the effects of different lower string tensions under “Adjustments” below.

How to string the shooting lines

Unlike the other types of cord, the shooting cords are woven together through the stitches, and the most popular method is a straight tie. Different types include rolled, nylon laced, or no weft lines at all.

Depending on the exact shape of your pocket and channel, you should experiment with the placement of your shooting cords to see which offers the best ball performance. However, as a general rule, you should have the string closest to the ball looser than the other strings, which should tighten as you work your way up to the scoop.

It’s important to remember that NCAA and NFHS rules prohibit any shooting line more than four inches from the top of the bucket. Make sure your shooting lines are within this range or you risk an equipment penalty.

trimming the strings

When you’ve finished stringing your lacrosse head, you’ll invariably find that you have a lot of extra string lengths. To tidy these up, use your scissors to snip off the remaining length, leaving an inch or two if you need to make minor adjustments later. Gently burn the cut ends with your lighter to ensure the ends don’t fray.

Testing

Once your cane is laced and ready to use, it’s a good idea to spend some time trying it out so you can make sure the pocket position and depth, as well as the placement of the shooting cords, work for you. Use a lacrosse rebounder like this when practicing alone, or pair up with another player to practice shots, passes, and catches. Make a note of anything that doesn’t feel quite right so you know what adjustments to make later.

adjustments

Once you’re confident that you know how to string a lacrosse head in a basic style and give it a try, you may want to make a few adjustments to better suit your unique playstyle.

If you need to increase the amount of whip you get, loosen the bottom string. The opposite is true if you have less whip to adjust.

If you have a narrow canal, the ball may whip down too hard. You can usually fix this by loosening or even removing one or more weft cords.

Replacing cotton shooting lines with nylon can help add more whip.

Hopefully our Lacrosse Head Stringing Guide has helped you not only better understand how to string a lacrosse head, but also how the various elements affect your overall racquet performance and ultimately your game. Of course, as we’ve said before, every player’s style is unique, so there’s no substitute for trying some of these tips for yourself to find out what setup works best for you.

The top string on your lacrosse head is arguably the most important part of stringing your lacrosse stick. This is because the top string of your lacrosse head is the foundation for stringing a consistent lacrosse pocket. If your top string is loose, your pocket will gradually become more inconsistent as the net breaks in. Loose top strings don’t add structure to your bag, and the ball will bounce off the plastic lip of your lacrosse head if the top string isn’t tight.

If your top string is askew, then your lacrosse pocket is not symmetrical and the ball will come out the wrong way.

The top string provides the alignment of your canal, and you want a nice symmetrical top string to make an aligned canal.

Stringing a lacrosse headtop string can be tricky for a beginner who has never tried stringing a string. Luckily for our readers, we’ve made this process simple and easy to follow. The two lacrosse top strings that we recommend for new stringers are the 9 Diamond Top String and the Hidden 9 Diamond Top String.

If you want to explore other options, you can find all of our top thong articles here: Top thongs for lacrosse. So pick a top string from below and follow the tutorial in a new window to start your lacrosse stick. When you’re done, move on to the next part of stringing a lacrosse head: lacrosse stick sidewalls.

Stringing your own lacrosse head can be an intimidating task for new lacrosse players. But with these stringing tips and a little practice, you’ll be able to get your bag the way you like it.

WHAT YOU NEED

Before you begin, make sure you have all of the items needed to string a lacrosse head:

Unstrung head

mesh fabric

strings

scissors

lighter

Tongs

MESH

Once you have all your gear, the first step to stringing a lacrosse head is to make sure the mesh is ready. Here’s how:

Take your mesh and identify the top, bottom, front and back. The top has nine diamonds on the edge. The floor will have 10 diamonds. The front feels rougher; This is the side that touches the ball.

Stretch the mesh to incorporate and ready to string.

Take the top nine diamond row and fold it onto the nine diamond row below. You should be able to see through these diamonds if done correctly.

After you have finished the mesh you can start threading the top of the mesh into the head. Work left to right while tying knots to hold the mesh in place. Maintain even tension throughout the process. When you’re done, the center of the mesh should be right in the center of your head.

SIDE WALLS

Once you have the top string installed, you can take on the side panels. This process can affect the type of bag placement you have. There are several ways to string a lacrosse head, but East Coast Dyes President and Co-Founder Greg Kenneally suggests a center bag setup. This type of bag has a good grip and smooth release and can be a solid option for new players.

The first few diamonds should be drawn firmly into the head. This creates a flat area near the top called a channel and helps release the ball down the middle. You can make the bag looser at the bottom by bundling the diamonds.

Remember that pocket depth is limited by law. When you pocket a ball, you should not be able to see any air above the ball.

Finish by installing the bottom cord and the last row of diamonds. This step allows you to tighten your bag if your bag is too deep.

The next step is to install the shooting lines. Remember that all shot lines must be within the top four inches of the head, measured from the tip of the shovel. Lightly weave the shooting line over the net. The string closest to the ball should be the loosest. As you work your way up to the shovel, the weft cords should tighten.

Many lacrosse string kits come with an extra string, allowing lacrosse players to use different techniques when stringing their head. Because of this, you could end up with several inches of extra cord. Reduce that to two inches or less, leaving enough to tighten the strings if necessary. Then gently melt the ends of the cord with a lighter to prevent fraying.

Stringing a lacrosse head is a skill that many lacrosse players strive to master. Follow these steps and you’ll be well on your way to making the perfect bag.

Lacrosse was invented by Native Americans over 300 years ago. Teams were up to 1,000 strong, games sometimes lasted for days, and players used wooden sticks and clay balls.

Nowadays the teams are much smaller, the games are much shorter and the sport is much more expensive. After all, a more modern game has a contemporary price.

Wondering how much lacrosse will cost? Here are some of the basics.

floor

The lacrosse stick, also known as the crosse, is by far the most important piece of equipment in a player’s arsenal.

Sticks consist of two main parts: the shaft and the head. The shaft is the grip the player grasps and the head is the cradle used to catch and pass the ball.

There are a variety of racquet options suitable for specific positions. Cheaper lacrosse sticks can cost around $40. More experienced players will purchase the shaft and head separately for more customization. Heads range from $35 to over $100 and shafts start at around $60 and can go well over $100.

helmet

A good helmet is the most expensive piece of gear a laxer will buy – and with good reason. Lacrosse is a physical game, and helmets protect a player’s head and face from body and racquet controls during play.

Helmets typically start at around $120, but a higher quality one can cost upwards of $200. Women do not need a helmet as current rules do not allow girls to check in at lacrosse.

gloves

While lacrosse gloves look like hockey gloves, they are a bit more flexible.

A cheap pair is around $50-$60, but they’ll likely be stiff. Higher quality gloves cost more than $100 but offer better support and flexibility.

1. This part is also optional, I’ve seen some players playing without a shooter, mainly faceoff types. This is a rare way to play and I wouldn’t recommend it, but it’s all about preference. The majority of players use shooters because they allow you to customize the way you throw and shoot the ball.

2. You will use these laces that look like shoelaces to do this.

3. So for beginners I recommend not to use nylon lines as a shooter as it will whip your head and force you to throw differently than you should.

4. It doesn’t allow you to follow through and I think every lacrosse should learn the basics before adapting it to your style of play, no matter the position.

5. Let’s start with one of two straight shooters. Take your shooter string and select the first 9 diamond row from the head’s scoop.

Tip – It’s best to start archers on the right side of the head (if head is down, pocket up).

So that the ends of the shooters don’t hit your face when you weigh them.

6. Take your shooter and place it between the mesh and the sidewall. Make sure both sides of the shooter are equal in length.

7. Take the end of the stud shooter that is away from you and pull it toward you. The other side goes through the next diamond.

8. Braid the shooter over the same row until you get to the other side of the head and tie it off with a knot.

9. For the second Straight Shooter do the same but on the next 9 diamond row down. So skip a row and start there.

10. Once this is done, you will create your final U-String shooter.

This shooter allows you to persevere and give the right amount of whip and control.

11. The U-string shooter curve is based on the next 9 diamond row down and picks up three diamonds (pictured).

WARNING – If you are playing in college, you are not allowed to use U-Shooters as they are illegal

– If you play in college, you are not allowed to use u shooters as they are illegal. Two straights might also work depending on how you want to play, so test it out and make your adjustments accordingly (add another straight or a nylon)

12. Now to create the U shape, see the middle three diamonds and there you will start curving your archer. (Picture)

13. Follow this row down and diagonally to the bottom of the head.

14. Take your line and do the same process as the straight shooters, only now you’re going diagonally.

15. Make sure the Sagittarius curves to create that U shape on those three center diamonds and then start the diagonal path down to the other side of the head.

16. Tie it off with a knot to finish it off.

Congratulations! You have now successfully stringed your first lacrosse head. You can loosen your shuttle strings if you feel the ball is coming out too soon (has too much whip) or tighten them if you want the ball to come out faster.

Get out there and practice with a wall ball to break the pocket and improve your racquet skills. The better you get and the more comfortable you become, the more you can tweak this process to suit your playstyle.

Welcome to the very first episode of That Old Lacrosse Head! This weekly series will feature an elderly lacrosse head that was donated to CityLax (in NYC) and is in need of some TLC. I’ll take the old stick, show you a little pre-action, go through what I did to fix it, and then show you the finished product!

The idea is to reuse as much of the original material as possible. So if an old piece of hard web is reusable, I keep it in the stick. If the sidewall string is still usable, it goes back in after a quick clean. Same goes for shooting lines, bottom lines and anything else I can reuse. I don’t just put a new bag on an old stick…I put a new old bag ON THE SAME stick AGAIN! It’s a unique challenge, but I’m looking forward to trying it the old school way!

First has to be an OG Brine Edge. This was THE racquet of choice in high school and college for years, and at one point it seemed like 90% of the players in any given field would use one. Because it’s the ultimate classic, we’re starting with the Edge and bringing it up to today’s high standard of bag technology.

That Old Lacrosse Head – Ep. 1 – Sole Kante

(For more great lacrosse videos, subscribe to the LaxAllStars YouTube channel!)

As you can see I was able to reuse almost all of the material from the original head in the new head. Here are a few things I did that are not included in the video above:

– I washed the net in hot water. I also washed the shooting lines in hot water. The water turned dark and cloudy brown because there was a lot of dirt in both the shooters and the net. I didn’t clean them 100% but took the big dirt out of the picture.

– I washed the head too. I used a sponge and some warm water. Nothing more and there was only a quick scrub.

– I used a new string for the top string, sidewalls and bottom string. The old stuff was trashed and frayed.

– I used two shooters for the video. I recently added a third straight shooter and it throws great.

Next week’s episode of That Old Lacrosse Head will feature an STX X2 with a cool but scuffed John Jay dye job. It’s another old-school classic, great head and stick that’s about to find new life with CityLax!